Hall Of The Gods!Įmerging out of the deep jungle-like flora, we’re greeted with the classic alpine environment. Lifting ourselves up large stones and grabbing onto roots, we felt like we were in the movie “ Romancing the Stone”. It was barely wide enough for one person. The sinewy path became tighter and steeper. After a few switchbacks, the vegetation transformed into a deep canopy of neon green foliage. The smell of fresh pine air and silence of nature was invigorating. Taking it slowly, we began our ascent through the wooded groves. We made the decision that if it got a bit too hairy for our blood, we’d turn around immediately. Jungles, Machetes & Rolling Stonesīeing beginner hikers, this sounded a little above our heads. Standing there for a moment, we looked at each other wondering if this was still a good idea. It points across the road to it.” He wished us the best of luck and left. “That’s the only way you can tell that’s the entrance. Gingerly walking back down the road for about a quarter mile, he suddenly stops and points over to the left. Let me show you the trailhead because you won’t really find it on your own.” The “TREE” Marks The Spot Oh yeah, I couldn’t even make it a ½ mile up because it’s so steep. We don’t maintain it, lots of scrambling, slippery rocks and most of all, there isn’t a formal trailhead marker. With a big grin he responded, “Oh boy, that’s a doozy. We told him we were looking for the Tamarack trailhead. While looking over the atlas, a volunteer forest service guide greeted us with a big howdy. Pulling up to the Glen Alpine Trailhead, we swung our packs over our shoulders and walked up to the trailhead map. We had to be at the TEDx South Lake Tahoe event later that afternoon so we only had a few hours to kill. Based on the reviews, it seemed challenging but doable. Path Is Chosen – Tamarack Trail The hidden sign 100 yards from the roadwayĪfter going through a massive amount of books and perusing, we settled on the Tamarack Trail near Fallen Leaf. Little did I know, the one we picked last weekend would test my fears to the core yet again.

Trying to find one that climbs over 2,000 vertical feet in less than 3 miles is difficult. While you would think that would be easy, most trails near town in South Lake Tahoe aren’t that steep. One of the goals we’ve set for ourselves is to get 10,000 vertical feet of climbing a week. Over the past month, the love of my life and I have begun training for the upcoming ski season.

Lake tahoe fallen leaf trail